Building Healthy Habits for a Sparkling Smile

To ensure that your child has a healthy smile and a bright future, here are some simple tips to encourage great dental habits and protect their overall health.

• Ask Dr. Ritchie or his team to help you assess your child’s diet.
• Provide a balanced diet, saving foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes.
• Limit the number of snack times and choose nutritious snacks.
• Shop smart! Buy “fun foods” just for special times, rather than regularly stocking your pantry with sugary or starchy foods.
• Don’t put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.
• If your child chews gum or sips soda, choose those without sugar.
• Floss once a day and brush thoroughly twice a day. Ask us if you have concerns about fluoride toothpaste and supplements.
• Consider preventative treatments such as sealants when recommended.

Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.